The EU has expanded sanctions over interference in Moldova's affairs
The European Union has imposed new sanctions on six individuals it considers to be involved in attempts to destabilize the situation in Moldova. According to the EU Council, they participated in Russian-funded operations related to voter bribery and disinformation campaigns. They are now banned from entering EU countries, and their assets are subject to freezing.
On June 15, the Council of the European Union adopted a decision on new restrictive measures against six individuals whom Brussels considers responsible for actions aimed at undermining Moldova’s sovereignty and independence. Those targeted by the sanctions include representatives of organizations considered successors to the banned “Shor” party, as well as associates of businessman Ilan Shor, who has long been subject to EU sanctions.
Brussels claims that the individuals in question actively participated in Russian-backed operations aimed at influencing the parliamentary elections in Moldova in September 2025. Specifically, this involves voter bribery schemes and disinformation campaigns. Some of the sanctioned individuals are also linked to the Russian organization “Eurasia” (Evrazia), which is already subject to EU sanctions. According to European sources, this organization was used to recruit individuals, conduct training, spread propaganda, and organize influence networks.
Iryna Vlah, leader of the “Heart of Moldova” party, has been added to the new sanctions list. The EU believes she played an active role in organizing a paid pre-election rally in July 2025, during which the appearance of broad support for the new political bloc was created. Brussels also claims that Vlah visited Moscow on multiple occasions in the run-up to the elections and held meetings with Russian officials.
Another figure implicated is Anton Tregub, who is described as the Russian curator of the “Greater Moldova” party. According to the EU, he coordinated its election campaign and facilitated voter bribery schemes. This political party had previously been barred from participating in the elections due to violations of financing rules. Russian citizen Anton Usov also made the list. According to the European Union, he engaged in an influence campaign through church structures, worked with priests, and gave them instructions on mobilizing voters.
In addition, Brussels claims that Usov was involved in organizing payments through Russian channels and collecting personal data during religious events. The sanctions imposed include the freezing of assets, as well as a ban on entry into or transit through the territory of European Union countries.
Following the latest decision, 29 individuals and five legal entities are now subject to EU sanctions for actions deemed a threat to Moldova. The Council of the EU emphasizes that these measures are intended to protect democratic processes in the country and counter external interference in Moldova’s internal affairs. This was reported by the Council of the EU’s press service.
Cyprus, which currently holds the EU presidency, has initiated preparations for the official launch of negotiations, and this decision is considered an important milestone for Ukraine and Moldova on the path to European integration, as it effectively opens a new phase of political and legal rapprochement with the EU. This was reported by Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
The European Commission announced plans to allocate up to 641 million euros for the development and support of Moldova’s economy. This was stated by European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during her visit to Chisinau.
